Big test for new-look South Africa against confident Australians

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Aiden Markram has odds of 4.07 to be South Africa's best batsman in this game. 
• Mitchell Marsh has odds of 4.20 to be the best batsman for Australia.  
• Tabraiz Shamsi has odds of 3.81 to be the best bowler for South Africa.  
• Nathan Ellis has odds of 3.86 to be Australia's best bowler  

MATCH PREVIEW     

The South Africans have struggled in T20 cricket for a while, and they would look to regain their form and confidence with an early lead in the three-match series at home. The hosts have made several changes to the squad, though injuries to a few key players have hurt the side's strength. The Australians have a strong side with powerful hitters and would look to play to their strengths in this game. As two big sides meet in this game, we expect the betting apps to be busy.  

South Africa Preview      

The South Africans have picked a side with an eye on the future. They haven't won a T20 series for over a year, and Aiden Markram would like to change that in this series. Betting odds are against them due to their poor record against Australia. Markram knows Australia's strengths and how they will come hard at them. He will expect a good show from his team and set the tone for the rest of the series.   

Reeza Hendricks must do well at the top as he opens the batting with Aiden Markram, as their opponents have a very strong new-ball attack. Temba Bavuma must use his experience and anchor the innings in the middle order with Rassie van der Dussen and Dewald Brevis. The side will also expect quick runs toward the end from Matthew Breetzke and Marco Jansen.  

The bowling attack will be up against some of the best batsmen in the world, and they need early breakthroughs from Lungi Ngidi and Gerald Coetzee in this game. Tabraiz Shamsi is the key bowler for the side, and he must slow down the scoring rate with Markram in the middle order. Jansen and Bjorn Fortuin have an important role in the supporting role.  

Expected Starting XI for South Africa     

Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Bjorn Fortuin, Tabraiz Shamsi, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke (wk), Gerald Coetzee, Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen, Lungi Ngidi 

Australia Preview      

The Australians play this format after a long gap and will look to get their engine running in the first game of the tour. Mitchell Marsh leads a strong side and will be confident about his team's prospects in this series. They enjoy a good record against the South Africans, and Marsh would like to build on that by winning this game.  

They expect a good start in this game from Josh Inglis and Matthew Short, as both players are good stroke players. The middle order is strong for the side, and they will look for runs from Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, and Glenn Maxwell. Tim David is a powerful striker and shall look to do well in the lower middle order with Marcus Stoinis and Sean Abbott.  

The Australians have one of the best bowling attacks in the world. They will expect early wickets in this game from Nathan Ellis and Jason Behrendorff. Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis have a lot of experience and will look to do well in this game. Abbott and Marsh add to the side's bowling options.  

Expected Starting XI for Australia     

Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Josh Inglis (wk), Nathan Ellis, Jason Behrendorff, Travis Head, Steven Smith, Matthew Short, Sean Abbott 

TOSS: To Bowl First      

There is assistance for the bowlers at the start of the innings. In the last couple of years, few teams have defended the score successfully at Durban. The wicket is fresh, and the side winning the toss would look to take advantage of it by opting to bowl first.   

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

It will be clear skies over Durban on August 30, and we expect a good batting surface. This venue has seen high-scoring games as the ball comes to the bat nicely. Fast bowlers have done well on this wicket. The side batting first shall aim at having 180 runs on the board to feel safe on this wicket.  

OUR PREDICTION      

South Africa are missing some of their key players due to injury. The middle order is slightly weak for the side, and they must compensate for it with a good show at the top. Their recent record in T20 cricket is poor, and they need to take full advantage of playing at home. Australians have a strong batting line-up, which has depth. According to betting sites, we expect a close game, but Australians are a stronger team and favorites.  

Our Prediction is for Australia to win